The Petrology, Geochemistry, and Mineralogy of North Atlantic Basalts: A Discussion Based on IPOD Leg 49

Abstract

Whole-rock geochemical data were obtained for 178 samples selected from the petrologically freshest parts of most of the flow units recovered from the nine holes. These data include 170 major element analyses (XRF) and 174 trace-element analyses (XRF and INAA). We include representative microprobe analyses of the primary minerals and fresh basaltic glasses (where present) in 40 selected samples. We also present 87Sr/86Sr ratios for 14 samples selected from the holes at 63°N. These analytical data, together with petrographic data obtained from the study of some 500 thin sections, have enabled us to establish a detailed lithostratigraphy for each basement section.